India, Feb. 13 -- When I was a young journalist, back in the 1980s, a bandh was a serious affair. Most markets and offices were closed, and public transport was in a tizzy. It was tough to reach the offices that were open, especially for journalists. In those days, bandhs and protests were a political-cum-economic statements. The aim was to put the governments on their toes, and make genuine efforts to protect the marginalised. The issues were immediate, and made economic sense despite the politics. The organisers knew the outcomes that they wished for.

Those days are gone. Nowadays, bandhs are mundane affairs, some bits of services and transportation are disrupted. But otherwise, life goes on. This is what I observed as I navigated thro...